Herehepaused，andlookedaboutfortheinn。Therewereawhitebank，andaredbrewery，andayellowtown-hall；andinonecornertherewasalargehouse，withallthewoodaboutitpaintedgreen:beforewhichwasthesignof\'TheGeorge。\'Tothishehastened，assoonasitcaughthiseye。
Hespoketoapostboywhowasdozingunderthegateway；andwho，afterhearingwhathewanted，referredhimtotheostler；whoafterhearingallhehadtosayagain，referredhimtothelandlord；whowasatallgentlemaninablueneckcloth，awhitehat，drabbreeches，andbootswithtopstomatch，leaningagainstapumpbythestable-door，pickinghisteethwithasilvertoothpick。
Thisgentlemanwalkedwithmuchdeliberationintothebartomakeoutthebill:whichtookalongtimemakingout:andafteritwasready，andpaid，ahorsehadtobesaddled，andamantobedressed，whichtookuptengoodminutesmore。MeanwhileOliverwasinsuchadesperatestateofimpatienceandanxiety，thathefeltasifhecouldhavejumpeduponthehorsehimself，andgallopedaway，fulltear，tothenextstage。Atlength，allwasready；andthelittleparcelhavingbeenhandedup，withmanyinjunctionsandentreatiesforitsspeedydelivery，themansetspurstohishorse，andrattlingovertheunevenpavingofthemarket-place，wasoutofthetown，andgallopingalongtheturnpike-road，inacoupleofminutes。
Asitwassomethingtofeelcertainthatassistancewassentfor，andthatnotimehadbeenlost，Oliverhurrieduptheinn-yard，withasomewhatlighterheart。Hewasturningoutofthegatewaywhenheaccidentlystumbledagainstatallmanwrappedinacloak，whowasatthatmomentcomingoutoftheinndoor。
\'Hah！\'criedtheman，fixinghiseyesonOliver，andsuddenlyrecoiling。\'Whatthedevil\'sthis?\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，sir，\'saidOliver；\'Iwasinagreathurrytogethome，anddidn\'tseeyouwerecoming。\'
\'Death！\'mutteredthemantohimself，glaringattheboywithhislargedarkeyes。\'Whowouldhavethoughtit！Grindhimtoashes！
He\'dstartupfromastonecoffin，tocomeinmyway！\'
\'Iamsorry，\'stammeredOliver，confusedbythestrangeman\'swildlook。\'IhopeIhavenothurtyou！\'
\'Rotyou！\'murmuredtheman，inahorriblepassion；betweenhisclenchedteeth；\'ifIhadonlyhadthecouragetosaytheword，I
mighthavebeenfreeofyouinanight。Cursesonyourhead，andblackdeathonyourheart，youimp！Whatareyoudoinghere?\'
Themanshookhisfist，asheutteredthesewordsincoherently。
HeadvancedtowardsOliver，asifwiththeintentionofaimingablowathim，butfellviolentlyontheground:writhingandfoaming，inafit。
Olivergazed，foramoment，atthestrugglesofthemadmanforsuchhesupposedhimtobe；andthendartedintothehouseforhelp。Havingseenhimsafelycarriedintothehotel，heturnedhisfacehomewards，runningasfastashecould，tomakeupforlosttime:andrecallingwithagreatdealofastonishmentandsomefear，theextraordinarybehaviourofthepersonfromwhomhehadjustparted。
Thecircumstancedidnotdwellinhisrecollectionlong，however:
forwhenhereachedthecottage，therewasenoughtooccupyhismind，andtodriveallconsiderationsofselfcompletelyfromhismemory。
RoseMayliehadrapidlygrownworse；beforemid-nightshewasdelirious。Amedicalpractitioner，whoresidedonthespot，wasinconstantattendanceuponher；andafterfirstseeingthepatient，hehadtakenMrs。Maylieaside，andpronouncedherdisordertobeoneofamostalarmingnature。\'Infact，\'hesaid，\'itwouldbelittleshortofamiracle，ifsherecovered。\'
HowoftendidOliverstartfromhisbedthatnight，andstealingout，withnoiselessfootstep，tothestaircase，listenfortheslightestsoundfromthesickchamber！Howoftendidatrembleshakehisframe，andcolddropsofterrorstartuponhisbrow，whenasuddentramplingoffeetcausedhimtofearthatsomethingtoodreadfultothinkof，hadeventhenoccurred！Andwhathadbeenthefervencyofalltheprayershehadevermuttered，comparedwiththosehepouredforth，now，intheagonyandpassionofhissupplicationforthelifeandhealthofthegentlecreature，whowastotteringonthedeepgrave\'sverge！
Oh！thesuspense，thefearful，acutesuspense，ofstandingidlybywhilethelifeofonewedearlylove，istremblinginthebalance！Oh！therackingthoughtsthatcrowduponthemind，andmaketheheartbeatviolently，andthebreathcomethick，bytheforceoftheimagestheyconjureupbeforeit；theDESPERATE
ANXIETYTOBEDOINGSOMETHINGtorelievethepain，orlessenthedanger，whichwehavenopowertoalleviate；thesinkingofsoulandspirit，whichthesadremembranceofourhelplessnessproduces；whattorturescanequalthese；whatreflectionsorendeavourscan，inthefulltideandfeverofthetime，allaythem！
Morningcame；andthelittlecottagewaslonelyandstill。Peoplespokeinwhispers；anxiousfacesappearedatthegate，fromtimetotime；womenandchildrenwentawayintears。Allthelivelongday，andforhoursafterithadgrowndark，Oliverpacedsoftlyupanddownthegarden，raisinghiseyeseveryinstanttothesickchamber，andshudderingtoseethedarkenedwindow，lookingasifdeathlaystretchedinside。Latethatnight，Mr。Losbernearrived。\'Itishard，\'saidthegooddoctor，turningawayashespoke；\'soyoung；somuchbeloved；butthereisverylittlehope。\'
Anothermorning。Thesunshonebrightly；asbrightlyasifitlookeduponnomiseryorcare；and，witheveryleafandflowerinfullbloomabouther；withlife，andhealth，andsoundsandsightsofjoy，surroundingheroneveryside:thefairyoungcreaturelay，wastingfast。Olivercreptawaytotheoldchurchyard，andsittingdownononeofthegreenmounds，weptandprayedforher，insilence。
Therewassuchpeaceandbeautyinthescene；somuchofbrightnessandmirthinthesunnylandscape；suchblithesomemusicinthesongsofthesummerbirds；suchfreedomintherapidflightoftherook，careeringoverhead；somuchoflifeandjoyousnessinall；that，whentheboyraisedhisachingeyes，andlookedabout，thethoughtinstinctivelyoccurredtohim，thatthiswasnotatimefordeath；thatRosecouldsurelyneverdiewhenhumblerthingswereallsogladandgay；thatgraveswereforcoldandcheerlesswinter:notforsunlightandfragrance。
Healmostthoughtthatshroudswerefortheoldandshrunken；andthattheyneverwrappedtheyoungandgracefulformintheirghastlyfolds。
Aknellfromthechurchbellbrokeharshlyontheseyouthfulthoughts。Another！Again！Itwastollingforthefuneralservice。Agroupofhumblemournersenteredthegate:wearingwhitefavours；forthecorpsewasyoung。Theystooduncoveredbyagrave；andtherewasamother——amotheronce——amongtheweepingtrain。Butthesunshonebrightly，andthebirdssangon。
Oliverturnedhomeward，thinkingonthemanykindnesseshehadreceivedfromtheyounglady，andwishingthatthetimecouldcomeagain，thathemightneverceaseshowingherhowgratefulandattachedhewas。Hehadnocauseforself-reproachonthescoreofneglect，orwantofthought，forhehadbeendevotedtoherservice；andyetahundredlittleoccasionsroseupbeforehim，onwhichhefanciedhemighthavebeenmorezealous，andmoreearnest，andwishedhehadbeen。Weneedbecarefulhowwedealwiththoseaboutus，wheneverydeathcarriestosomesmallcircleofsurvivors，thoughtsofsomuchomitted，andsolittledone——ofsomanythingsforgotten，andsomanymorewhichmighthavebeenrepaired！Thereisnoremorsesodeepasthatwhichisunavailing；ifwewouldbespareditstortures，letusrememberthis，intime。
WhenhereachedhomeMrs。Mayliewassittinginthelittleparlour。Oliver\'sheartsandatsightofher；forshehadneverleftthebedsideofherniece；andhetrembledtothinkwhatchangecouldhavedrivenheraway。Helearntthatshehadfallenintoadeepsleep，fromwhichshewouldwaken，eithertorecoveryandlife，ortobidthemfarewell，anddie。
Theysat，listening，andafraidtospeak，forhours。Theuntastedmealwasremoved，withlookswhichshowedthattheirthoughtswereelsewhere，theywatchedthesunashesanklowerandlower，and，atlength，castoverskyandearththosebrillianthueswhichheraldhisdeparture。Theirquickearscaughtthesoundofanapproachingfootstep。Theybothinvoluntarilydartedtothedoor，asMr。Losberneentered。
\'WhatofRose?\'criedtheoldlady。\'Tellmeatonce！Icanbearit；anythingbutsuspense！Oh！，tellme！inthenameofHeaven！\'
\'Youmustcomposeyourself，\'saidthedoctorsupportingher。\'Becalm，mydearma\'am，pray。\'
\'Letmego，inGod\'sname！Mydearchild！Sheisdead！Sheisdying！\'
\'No！\'criedthedoctor，passionately。\'AsHeisgoodandmerciful，shewilllivetoblessusall，foryearstocome。\'
Theladyfelluponherknees，andtriedtofoldherhandstogether；buttheenergywhichhadsupportedhersolong，fleduptoHeavenwithherfirstthanksgiving；andshesankintothefriendlyarmswhichwereextendedtoreceiveher。
CHAPTERXXXIV
CONTAINSSOMEINTRODUCTORYPARTICULARSRELATIVETOAYOUNG
GENTLEMANWHONOWARRIVESUPONTHESCENE；ANDANEWADVENTURE
WHICHHAPPENEDTOOLIVER
Itwasalmosttoomuchhappinesstobear。Oliverfeltstunnedandstupefiedbytheunexpectedintelligence；hecouldnotweep，orspeak，orrest。Hehadscarcelythepowerofunderstandinganythingthathadpassed，until，afteralongrambleinthequieteveningair，aburstoftearscametohisrelief，andheseemedtoawaken，allatonce，toafullsenseofthejoyfulchangethathadoccurred，andthealmostinsupportableloadofanguishwhichhadbeentakenfromhisbreast。
Thenightwasfastclosingin，whenhereturnedhomeward:ladenwithflowerswhichhehadculled，withpeculiarcare，fortheadornmentofthesickchamber。Ashewalkedbrisklyalongtheroad，heheardbehindhim，thenoiseofsomevehicle，approachingatafuriouspace。Lookinground，hesawthatitwasapost-chaise，drivenatgreatspeed；andasthehorsesweregalloping，andtheroadwasnarrow，hestoodleaningagainstagateuntilitshouldhavepassedhim。
Asitdashedon，Olivercaughtaglimpseofamaninawhitenitecap，whosefaceseemedfamiliartohim，althoughhisviewwassobriefthathecouldnotidentifytheperson。Inanothersecondortwo，thenightcapwasthrustoutofthechaise-window，andastentorianvoicebellowedtothedrivertostop:whichhedid，assoonashecouldpulluphishorses。Then，thenightcaponceagainappeared:andthesamevoicecalledOliverbyhisname。
\'Here！\'criedthevoice。\'Oliver，what\'sthenews?MissRose！
MasterO-li-ver！\'
\'Isisyou，Giles?\'criedOliver，runninguptothechaise-door。
Gilespoppedouthisnightcapagain，preparatorytomakingsomereply，whenhewassuddenlypulledbackbyayounggentlemanwhooccupiedtheothercornerofthechaise，andwhoeagerlydemandedwhatwasthenews。
\'Inaword！\'criedthegentleman，\'Betterorworse?\'
\'Better——muchbetter！\'repliedOliver，hastily。
\'ThankHeaven！\'exclaimedthegentleman。\'Youaresure?\'
\'Quite，sir，\'repliedOliver。\'Thechangetookplaceonlyafewhoursago；andMr。Losbernesays，thatalldangerisatanend。\'
Thegentlemansaidnotanotherword，but，openingthechaise-door，leapedout，andtakingOliverhurriedlybythearm，ledhimaside。
\'Youarequitecertain?Thereisnopossibilityofanymistakeonyourpart，myboy，isthere?\'demandedthegentlemaninatremulousvoice。\'Donotdeceiveme，byawakeninghopesthatarenottobefulfilled。\'
\'Iwouldnotfortheworld，sir，\'repliedOliver。\'Indeedyoumaybelieveme。Mr。Losberne\'swordswere，thatshewouldlivetoblessusallformanyyearstocome。Iheardhimsayso。\'
ThetearsstoodinOliver\'seyesasherecalledthescenewhichwasthebeginningofsomuchhappiness；andthegentlemanturnedhisfaceaway，andremainedsilent，forsomeminutes。Oliverthoughtheheardhimsob，morethanonce；buthefearedtointerrupthimbyanyfreshremark——forhecouldwellguesswhathisfeelingswere——andsostoodapart，feigningtobeoccupiedwithhisnosegay。
Allthistime，Mr。Giles，withthewhitenightcapon，hadbeensittingonthestepsofthechaise，supportinganelbowoneachknee，andwipinghiseyeswithabluecottonpocket-handkerchiefdottedwithwhitespots。Thatthehonestfellowhadnotbeenfeigningemotion，wasabundentlydemonstratedbytheveryredeyeswithwhichheregardedtheyounggentleman，whenheturnedroundandaddressedhim。
\'Ithinkyouhadbettergoontomymother\'sinthechaise，Giles，\'saidhe。\'Iwouldratherwalkslowlyon，soastogainalittletimebeforeIseeher。YoucansayIamcoming。\'
\'Ibegyourpardon，Mr。Harry，\'saidGiles:givingafinalpolishtohisruffledcountenancewiththehandkerchief；\'butifyouwouldleavethepostboytosaythat，Ishouldbeverymuchobligedtoyou。Itwouldn\'tbeproperforthemaidstoseemeinthisstate，sir；Ishouldneverhaveanymoreauthoritywiththemiftheydid。\'
\'Well，\'rejoinedHarryMaylie，smiling，\'youcandoasyoulike。
Lethimgoonwiththeluggage，ifyouwishit，anddoyoufollowwithus。Onlyfirstexchangethatnightcapforsomemoreappropriatecovering，orweshallbetakenformadmen。\'
Mr。Giles，remindedofhisunbecomingcostume，snatchedoffandpocketedhisnightcap；andsubstitutedahat，ofgraveandsobershape，whichhetookoutofthechaise。Thisdone，thepostboydroveoff；Giles，Mr。Maylie，andOliver，followedattheirleisure。
Astheywalkedalong，Oliverglancedfromtimetotimewithmuchinterestandcuriosityatthenewcomer。Heseemedaboutfive-and-twentyyearsofage，andwasofthemiddleheight；hiscountenancewasfrankandhandsome；andhisdemeanoreasyandprepossessing。Notwithstandingthedifferencebetweenyouthandage，heboresostrongalikenesstotheoldlady，thatOliverwouldhavehadnogreatdifficultyinimaginingtheirrelationship，ifhehadnotalreadyspokenofherashismother。
Mrs。Mayliewasanxiouslywaitingtoreceivehersonwhenhereachedthecottage。Themeetingdidnottakeplacewithoutgreatemotiononbothsides。
\'Mother！\'whisperedtheyoungman；\'whydidyounotwritebefore?\'
\'Idid，\'repliedMrs。Maylie；\'but，onreflection，IdeterminedtokeepbacktheletteruntilIhadheardMr。Losberne\'sopinion。\'
\'Butwhy，\'saidtheyoungman，\'whyrunthechanceofthatoccurringwhichsonearlyhappened?IfRosehad——Icannotutterthatwordnow——ifthisillnesshadterminateddifferently，howcouldyoueverhaveforgivenyourself！HowcouldIeverhaveknowhappinessagain！\'
\'IfthatHADbeenthecase，Harry，\'saidMrs。Maylie，\'Ifearyourhappinesswouldhavebeeneffectuallyblighted，andthatyourarrivalhere，adaysooneroradaylater，wouldhavebeenofvery，verylittleimport。\'
\'Andwhocanwonderifitbeso，mother?\'rejoinedtheyoungman；
\'orwhyshouldIsay，IF?——Itis——itis——youknowit，mother——youmustknowit！\'
\'Iknowthatshedeservesthebestandpurestlovetheheartofmancanoffer，\'saidMrs。Maylie；\'Iknowthatthedevotionandaffectionofhernaturerequirenoordinaryreturn，butonethatshallbedeepandlasting。IfIdidnotfeelthis，andknow，besides，thatachangedbehaviourinoneshelovedwouldbreakherheart，Ishouldnotfeelmytasksodifficultofperformance，orhavetoencountersomanystrugglesinmyownbosom，whenI
takewhatseemstometobethestrictlineofduty。\'
\'Thisisunkind，mother，\'saidHarry。\'DoyoustillsupposethatIamaboyignorantofmyownmind，andmistakingtheimpulsesofmyownsoul?\'
\'Ithink，mydearson，\'returnedMrs。Maylie，layingherhanduponhisshoulder，\'thatyouthhasmanygenerousimpulseswhichdonotlast；andthatamongthemaresome，which，beinggratified，becomeonlythemorefleeting。Aboveall，Ithink\'
saidthelady，fixinghereyesonherson\'sface，\'thatifanenthusiastic，ardent，andambitiousmanmarryawifeonwhosenamethereisastain，which，thoughitoriginateinnofaultofhers，maybevisitedbycoldandsordidpeopleuponher，anduponhischildrenalso:and，inexactproportiontohissuccessintheworld，becastinhisteeth，andmadethesubjectofsneersagainsthim:hemay，nomatterhowgenerousandgoodhisnature，onedayrepentoftheconnectionheformedinearlylife。Andshemayhavethepainofknowingthathedoesso。\'
\'Mother，\'saidtheyoungman，impatiently，\'hewouldbeaselfishbrute，unworthyalikeofthenameofmanandofthewomanyoudescribe，whoactedthus。\'
\'Youthinksonow，Harry，\'repliedhismother。
\'Andeverwill！\'saidtheyoungman。\'ThementalagonyIhavesuffered，duringthelasttwodays，wringsfrommetheavowaltoyouofapassionwhich，asyouwellknow，isnotoneofyesterday，noroneIhavelightlyformed。OnRose，sweet，gentlegirl！myheartisset，asfirmlyaseverheartofmanwassetonwoman。Ihavenothought，noview，nohopeinlife，beyondher；
andifyouopposemeinthisgreatstake，youtakemypeaceandhappinessinyourhands，andcastthemtothewind。Mother，thinkbetterofthis，andofme，anddonotdisregardthehappinessofwhichyouseemtothinksolittle。\'
\'Harry，\'saidMrs。Maylie，\'itisbecauseIthinksomuchofwarmandsensitivehearts，thatIwouldsparethemfrombeingwounded。
Butwehavesaidenough，andmorethanenough，onthismatter，justnow。\'
\'LetitrestwithRose，then，\'interposedHarry。\'Youwillnotpresstheseoverstrainedopinionsofyours，sofar，astothrowanyobstacleinmyway?\'
\'Iwillnot，\'rejoinedMrs。Maylie；\'butIwouldhaveyouconsider——\'
\'IHAVEconsidered！\'wastheimpatientreply；\'Mother，Ihaveconsidered，yearsandyears。Ihaveconsidered，eversinceI
havebeencapableofseriousreflection。Myfeelingsremainunchanged，astheyeverwill；andwhyshouldIsufferthepainofadelayingivingthemvent，whichcanbeproductiveofnoearthlygood?No！BeforeIleavethisplace，Roseshallhearme。\'
\'Sheshall，\'saidMrs。Maylie。
\'Thereissomethinginyourmanner，whichwouldalmostimplythatshewillhearmecoldly，mother，\'saidtheyoungman。
\'Notcoldly，\'rejoinedtheoldlady；\'farfromit。\'
\'Howthen?\'urgedtheyoungman。\'Shehasformednootherattachment?\'
\'No，indeed，\'repliedhismother；\'youhave，orImistake，toostrongaholdonheraffectionsalready。WhatIwouldsay，\'
resumedtheoldlady，stoppinghersonashewasabouttospeak，\'isthis。Beforeyoustakeyourallonthischance；beforeyousufferyourselftobecarriedtothehighestpointofhope；
reflectforafewmoments，mydearchild，onRose\'shistory，andconsiderwhateffecttheknowledgeofherdoubtfulbirthmayhaveonherdecision:devotedassheistous，withalltheintensityofhernoblemind，andwiththatperfectsacrificeofselfwhich，inallmatters，greatortrifling，hasalwaysbeenhercharacteristic。\'
\'Whatdoyoumean?\'
\'ThatIleaveyoutodiscover，\'repliedMrs。Maylie。\'Imustgobacktoher。Godblessyou！\'
\'Ishallseeyouagainto-night?\'saidtheyoungman，eagerly。
\'Byandby，\'repliedthelady；\'whenIleaveRose。\'
\'YouwilltellherIamhere?\'saidHarry。
\'Ofcourse，\'repliedMrs。Maylie。
\'AndsayhowanxiousIhavebeen，andhowmuchIhavesuffered，andhowIlongtoseeher。Youwillnotrefusetodothis，mother?\'
\'No，\'saidtheoldlady；\'Iwilltellherall。\'Andpressingherson\'shand，affectionately，shehastenedfromtheroom。
Mr。LosberneandOliverhadremainedatanotherendoftheapartmentwhilethishurriedconversationwasproceeding。TheformernowheldouthishandtoHarryMaylie；andheartysalutationswereexchangedbetweenthem。Thedoctorthencommunicated，inreplytomultifariousquestionsfromhisyoungfriend，apreciseaccountofhispatient\'ssituation；whichwasquiteasconsolatoryandfullofpromise，asOliver\'sstatementhadencouragedhimtohope；andtothewholeofwhich，Mr。Giles，whoaffectedtobebusyabouttheluggage，listenedwithgreedyears。
\'Haveyoushotanythingparticular，lately，Giles?\'inquiredthedoctor，whenhehadconcluded。
\'Nothingparticular，sir，\'repliedMr。Giles，colouringuptotheeyes。
\'Norcatchinganythieves，noridentifyinganyhouse-breakers?\'
saidthedoctor。
\'Noneatall，sir，\'repliedMr。Giles，withmuchgravity。
\'Well，\'saidthedoctor，\'Iamsorrytohearit，becauseyoudothatsortofthingadmirably。Pray，howisBrittles?\'
\'Theboyisverywell，sir，\'saidMr。Giles，recoveringhisusualtoneofpatronage；\'andsendshisrespectfulduty，sir。\'
\'That\'swell，\'saidthedoctor。\'Seeingyouhere，remindsme，Mr。Giles，thatonthedaybeforethatonwhichIwascalledawaysohurriedly，Iexecuted，attherequestofyourgoodmistress，asmallcommissioninyourfavour。Juststepintothiscorneramoment，willyou?\'
Mr。Gileswalkedintothecornerwithmuchimportance，andsomewonder，andwashonouredwithashortwhisperingconferencewiththedoctor，ontheterminationofwhich，hemadeagreatmanybows，andretiredwithstepsofunusualstateliness。Thesubjectmatterofthisconferencewasnotdisclosedintheparlour，butthekitchenwasspeedilyenlightenedconcerningit；forMr。Gileswalkedstraightthither，andhavingcalledforamugofale，announced，withanairofmajesty，whichwashighlyeffective，thatithadpleasedhismistress，inconsiderationofhisgallantbehaviourontheoccasionofthatattemptedrobbery，todepost，inthelocalsavings-bank，thesumoffive-and-twentypounds，forhissoleuseandbenefit。Atthis，thetwowomen-servantslifteduptheirhandsandeyes，andsupposedthatMr。Giles，pullingouthisshirt-frill，replied，\'No，no\'；andthatiftheyobservedthathewasatallhaughtytohisinferiors，hewouldthankthemtotellhimso。Andthenhemadeagreatmanyotherremarks，nolessillustrativeofhishumility，whichwerereceivedwithequalfavourandapplause，andwere，withal，asoriginalandasmuchtothepurpose，astheremarksofgreatmencommonlyare。
Abovestairs，theremainderoftheeveningpassedcheerfullyaway；forthedoctorwasinhighspirits；andhoweverfatiguedorthoughtfulHarryMayliemighthavebeenatfirst，hewasnotproofagainsttheworthygentleman\'sgoodhumour，whichdisplayeditselfinagreatvarietyofsalliesandprofessionalrecollections，andanabundanceofsmalljokes，whichstruckOliverasbeingthedrollestthingshehadeverheard，andcausedhimtolaughproportionately；totheevidentsatisfactionofthedoctor，wholaughedimmoderatelyathimself，andmadeHarrylaughalmostasheartily，bytheveryforceofsympathy。So，theywereaspleasantapartyas，underthecircumstances，theycouldwellhavebeen；anditwaslatebeforetheyretired，withlightandthankfulhearts，totakethatrestofwhich，afterthedoubtandsuspensetheyhadrecentlyundergone，theystoodmuchinneed。
Oliverrosenextmorning，inbetterheart，andwentabouthisusualoccupations，withmorehopeandpleasurethanhehadknownformanydays。Thebirdswereoncemorehungout，tosing，intheiroldplaces；andthesweetestwildflowersthatcouldbefound，wereoncemoregatheredtogladdenRosewiththeirbeauty。
Themelancholywhichhadseemedtothesadeyesoftheanxiousboytohang，fordayspast，overeveryobject，beautifulasallwere，wasdispelledbymagic。Thedewseemedtosparklemorebrightlyonthegreenleaves；theairtorustleamongthemwithasweetermusic；andtheskyitselftolookmoreblueandbright。
Suchistheinfluencewhichtheconditionofourownthoughts，exercise，evenovertheappearanceofexternalobjects。Menwholookonnature，andtheirfellow-men，andcrythatallisdarkandgloomy，areintheright；butthesombrecoloursarereflectionsfromtheirownjaundicedeyesandhearts。Therealhuesaredelicate，andneedaclearervision。
Itisworthyofremark，andOliverdidnotfailtonoteitatthetime，thathismorningexpeditionswerenolongermadealone。
HarryMaylie，aftertheveryfirstmorningwhenhemetOlivercomingladenhome，wasseizedwithsuchapassionforflowers，anddisplayedsuchatasteintheirarrangement，aslefthisyoungcompanionfarbehind。IfOliverwerebehindhandintheserespects，heknewwherethebestweretobefound；andmorningaftermorningtheyscouredthecountrytogether，andbroughthomethefairestthatblossomed。Thewindowoftheyounglady\'schamberwasopenednow；forshelovedtofeeltherichsummerairstreamin，andreviveherwithitsfreshness；buttherealwaysstoodinwater，justinsidethelattice，oneparticularlittlebunch，whichwasmadeupwithgreatcare，everymorning。Olivercouldnothelpnoticingthatthewitheredflowerswereneverthrownaway，althoughthelittlevasewasregularlyreplenished；
nor，couldhehelpobserving，thatwheneverthedoctorcameintothegarden，heinvariablycasthiseyesuptothatparticularcorner，andnoddedhisheadmostexpressively，ashesetforthonhismorning\'swalk。Pendingtheseobservations，thedayswereflyingby；andRosewasrapidlyrecovering。
NordidOliver\'stimehangheavyonhishands，althoughtheyoungladyhadnotyetleftherchamber，andtherewerenoeveningwalks，savenowandthen，forashortdistance，withMrs。Maylie。
Heappliedhimself，withredoubledassiduity，totheinstructionsofthewhite-headedoldgentleman，andlabouredsohardthathisquickprogresssurprisedevenhimself。Itwaswhilehewasengagedinthispursuit，thathewasgreatlystartledanddistressedbyamostunexpectedoccurence。
Thelittleroominwhichhewasaccustomedtosit，whenbusyathisbooks，wasontheground-floor，atthebackofthehouse。Itwasquiteacottage-room，withalattice-window:aroundwhichwereclustersofjessamineandhoneysuckle，thatcreptoverthecasement，andfilledtheplacewiththeirdeliciousperfume。Itlookedintoagarden，whenceawicket-gateopenedintoasmallpaddock；allbeyond，wasfinemeadow-landandwood。Therewasnootherdwellingnear，inthatdirection；andtheprospectitcommandedwasveryextensive。
Onebeautifulevening，whenthefirstshadesoftwilightwerebeginningtosettleupontheearth，Oliversatatthiswindow，intentuponhisbooks。Hehadbeenporingoverthemforsometime；and，asthedayhadbeenuncommonlysultry，andhehadexertedhimselfagreatdeal，ititnodisparagementtotheauthors，whoevertheymayhavebeen，tosay，thatgraduallyandbyslowdegrees，hefellasleep。
Thereisakindofsleepthatstealsuponussometimes，which，whileitholdsthebodyprisoner，doesnotfreethemindfromasenseofthingsaboutit，andenableittorambleatitspleasure。Sofarasanoverpoweringheaviness，aprostrationofstrength，andanutterinabilitytocontrolourthoughtsorpowerofmotion，canbecalledsleep，thisisit；andyet，wehaveaconsciousnessofallthatisgoingonaboutus，and，ifwedreamatsuchatime，wordswhicharereallyspoken，orsoundswhichreallyexistatthemoment，accommodatethemselveswithsurprisingreadinesstoourvisions，untilrealityandimaginationbecomesostrangelyblendedthatitisafterwardsalmostmatterofimpossibilitytoseparatethetwo。Noristhis，themoststrikingphenomenonindcidentaltosuchastate。Itisanundoubtedfact，thatalthoughoursensesoftouchandsightbeforthetimedead，yetoursleepingthoughts，andthevisionaryscenesthatpassbeforeus，willbeinfluencedandmateriallyinfluenced，bytheMERESILENTPRESENCEofsomeexternalobject；
whichmaynothavebeennearuswhenweclosedoureyes:andofwhosevicinitywehavehadnowakingconsciousness。
Oliverknew，perfectlywell，thathewasinhisownlittleroom；
thathisbookswerelyingonthetablebeforehim；thatthesweetairwasstirringamongthecreepingplantsoutside。Andyethewasasleep。Suddenly，thescenechanged；theairbecamecloseandconfined；andhethought，withaglowofterror，thathewasintheJew\'shouseagain。Theresatthehideousoldman，inhisaccustomedcorner，pointingathim，andwhisperingtoanotherman，withhisfaceaverted，whosatbesidehim。
\'Hush，mydear！\'hethoughtheheardtheJewsay；\'itishe，sureenough。Comeaway。\'
\'He！\'theothermanseemedtoanswer；\'couldImistakehim，thinkyou?Ifacrowdofghostsweretoputthemselvesintohisexactshape，andhestoodamongstthem，thereissomethingthatwouldtellmehowtopointhimout。Ifyouburiedhimfiftyfeetdeep，andtookmeacrosshisgrave，IfancyIshouldknow，iftherewasn\'tamarkaboveit，thathelayburiedthere?\'
Themanseemedtosaythis，withsuchdreadfulhatred，thatOliverawokewiththefear，andstartedup。
GoodHeaven！whatwasthat，whichsentthebloodtinglingtohisheart，anddeprivedhimofhisvoice，andofpowertomove！
There——there——atthewindow——closebeforehim——soclose，thathecouldhavealmosttouchedhimbeforehestartedback:withhiseyespeeringintotheroom，andmeetinghis:therestoodtheJew！Andbesidehim，whitewithrageorfear，orboth，werethescowlingfeaturesofthemanwhohadaccostedhimintheinn-yard。
Itwasbutaninstant，aglance，aflash，beforehiseyes；andtheyweregone。Buttheyhadrecognisedhim，andhethem；andtheirlookwasasfirmlyimpresseduponhismemory，asifithadbeendeeplycarvedinstone，andsetbeforehimfromhisbirth。
Hestoodtransfixedforamoment；then，leapingfromthewindowintothegarden，calledloudlyforhelp。
CHAPTERXXXV
CONTAININGTHEUNSATISFACTORYRESULTOFOLIVER\'SADVENTURE；ANDA
CONVERSATIONOFSOMEIMPORTANCEBETWEENHARRYMAYLIEANDROSE
Whentheinmatesofthehouse，attractedbyOliver\'scries，hurriedtothespotfromwhichtheyproceeded，theyfoundhim，paleandagitated，pointinginthedirectionofthemeadowsbehindthehouse，andscarcelyabletoarticulatethewords，\'TheJew！theJew！\'
Mr。Gileswasatalosstocomprehendwhatthisoutcrymeant；butHarryMaylie，whoseperceptionsweresomethingquicker，andwhohadheardOliver\'shistoryfromhismother，understooditatonce。
\'Whatdirectiondidhetake?\'heasked，catchingupaheavystickwhichwasstandinginacorner。
\'That，\'repliedOliver，pointingoutthecoursethemanhadtaken；\'Imissedtheminaninstant。\'
\'Then，theyareintheditch！\'saidHarry。\'Follow！Andkeepasnearme，asyoucan。\'Sosaying，hesprangoverthehedge，anddartedoffwithaspeedwhichrendereditmatterofexceedingdifficultyfortheotherstokeepnearhim。
Gilesfollowedaswellashecould；andOliverfollowedtoo；andinthecourseofaminuteortwo，Mr。Losberne，whohadbeenoutwalking，andjustthenreturned，tumbledoverthehedgeafterthem，andpickinghimselfupwithmoreagilitythanhecouldhavebeensupposedtopossess，struckintothesamecourseatnocontemptiblespeed，shoutingallthewhile，mostprodigiously，toknowwhatwasthematter。
Ontheyallwent；norstoppedtheyoncetobreathe，untiltheleader，strikingoffintoanangleofthefieldindicatedbyOliver，begantosearch，narrowly，theditchandhedgeadjoining；
whichaffordedtimefortheremainderofthepartytocomeup；
andforOlivertocommunicatetoMr。Losbernethecircumstancesthathadledtosovigorousapursuit。
Thesearchwasallinvain。Therewerenoteventhetracesofrecentfootsteps，tobeseen。Theystoodnow，onthesummitofalittlehill，commandingtheopenfieldsineverydirectionforthreeorfourmiles。Therewasthevillageinthehollowontheleft；but，inordertogainthat，afterpursuingthetrackOliverhadpointedout，themenmusthavemadeacircuitofopenground，whichitwasimpossibletheycouldhaveaccomplishedinsoshortatime。Athickwoodskirtedthemeadow-landinanotherdirection；buttheycouldnothavegainedthatcovertforthesamereason。
\'Itmusthavebeenadream，Oliver，\'saidHarryMaylie。
\'Ohno，indeed，sir，\'repliedOliver，shudderingattheveryrecollectionoftheoldwretch\'scountenance；\'Isawhimtooplainlyforthat。Isawthemboth，asplainlyasIseeyounow。\'
\'Whowastheother?\'inquiredHarryandMr。Losberne，together。
\'TheverysamemanItoldyouof，whocamesosuddenlyuponmeattheinn，\'saidOliver。\'Wehadoureyesfixedfulluponeachother；andIcouldsweartohim。\'
\'Theytookthisway?\'demandedHarry:\'areyousure?\'
\'AsIamthatthemenwereatthewindow，\'repliedOliver，pointingdown，ashespoke，tothehedgewhichdividedthecottage-gardenfromthemeadow。\'Thetallmanleapedover，justthere；andtheJew，runningafewpacestotheright，creptthroughthatgap。\'
ThetwogentlemenwatchedOliver\'searnestface，ashespoke，andlookingfromhimtoeachother，seemedtofellsatisfiedoftheaccuracyofwhathesaid。Still，innodirectionwerethereanyappearancesofthetramplingofmeninhurriedflight。Thegrasswaslong；butitwastroddendownnowhere，savewheretheirownfeethadcrushedit。Thesidesandbrinksoftheditcheswereofdampclay；butinnooneplacecouldtheydiscerntheprintofmen\'sshoes，ortheslightestmarkwhichwouldindicatethatanyfeethadpressedthegroundforhoursbefore。
\'Thisisstrange！\'saidHarry。
\'Strange?\'echoedthedoctor。\'BlathersandDuff，themselves，couldmakenothingofit。\'
Notwithstandingtheevidentlyuselessnatureoftheirsearch，theydidnotdesistuntilthecomingonofnightrendereditsfurtherprosecutionhopeless；andeventhen，theygaveitupwithreluctance。Gileswasdispatchedtothedifferentale-housesinthevillage，furnishedwiththebestdescriptionOlivercouldgiveoftheappearanceanddressofthestrangers。Ofthese，theJewwas，atallevents，sufficientlyremarkabletoberemembered，supposinghehadbeenseendrinking，orloiteringabout；butGilesreturnedwithoutanyintelligence，calculatedtodispelorlessenthemystery。
Onthenextday，freshsearchwasmade，andtheinquiriesrenewed；butwithnobettersuccess。Onthedayfollowing，OliverandMr。Maylierepairedtothemarket-town，inthehopeofseeingorhearingsomethingofthementhere；butthiseffortwasequallyfruitless。Afterafewdays，theaffairbegantobeforgotten，asmostaffairsare，whenwonder，havingnofreshfoodtosupportit，diesawayofitself。
Meanwhile，Rosewasrapidlyrecovering。Shehadleftherroom:
wasabletogoout；andmixingoncemorewiththefamily，carriedjoyintotheheartsofall。
But，althoughthishappychangehadavisibleeffectonthelittlecircle；andalthoughcheerfulvoicesandmerrylaughterwereoncemoreheardinthecottage；therewasattimes，anunwontedrestraintuponsomethere:evenuponRoseherself:
whichOlivercouldnotfailtoremark。Mrs。Maylieandhersonwereoftenclosetedtogetherforalongtime；andmorethanonceRoseappearedwithtracesoftearsuponherface。AfterMr。
LosbernehadfixedadayforhisdeparturetoChertsey，thesesymptomsincreased；anditbecameevidentthatsomethingwasinprogresswhichaffectedthepeaceoftheyounglady，andofsomebodyelsebesides。
Atlength，onemorning，whenRosewasaloneinthebreakfast-parlour，HarryMaylieentered；and，withsomehesitation，beggedpermissiontospeakwithherforafewmoments。
\'Afew——averyfew——willsuffice，Rose，\'saidtheyoungman，drawinghischairtowardsher。\'WhatIshallhavetosay，hasalreadypresenteditselftoyourmind；themostcherishedhopesofmyheartarenotunknowntoyou，thoughfrommylipsyouhavenotheardthemstated。\'
Rosehadbeenverypalefromthemomentofhisentrance；butthatmighthavebeentheeffectofherrecentillness。Shemerelybowed；andbendingoversomeplantsthatstoodnear，waitedinsilenceforhimtoproceed。
\'I——I——oughttohavelefthere，before，\'saidHarry。
\'Youshould，indeed，\'repliedRose。\'Forgivemeforsayingso，butIwishyouhad。\'
\'Iwasbroughthere，bythemostdreadfulandagonisingofallapprehensions，\'saidtheyoungman；\'thefearoflosingtheonedearbeingonwhommyeverywishandhopearefixed。Youhadbeendying；tremblingbetweenearthandheaven。Weknowthatwhentheyoung，thebeautiful，andgood，arevisitedwithsickness，theirpurespiritsinsensiblyturntowardstheirbrighthomeoflastingrest；weknow，Heavenhelpus！thatthebestandfairestofourkind，toooftenfadeinblooming。\'
Thereweretearsintheeyesofthegentlegirl，asthesewordswerespoken；andwhenonefelluponthefloweroverwhichshebent，andglistenedbrightlyinitscup，makingitmorebeautiful，itseemedasthoughtheoutpouringofherfreshyoungheart，claimedkindrednaturally，withtheloveliestthingsinnature。
\'Acreature，\'continuedtheyoungman，passionately，\'acreatureasfairandinnocentofguileasoneofGod\'sownangels，flutteredbetweenlifeanddeath。Oh！whocouldhope，whenthedistantworldtowhichshewasakin，halfopenedtoherview，thatshewouldreturntothesorrowandcalamityofthis！Rose，Rose，toknowthatyouwerepassingawaylikesomesoftshadow，whichalightfromabove，castsupontheearth；tohavenohopethatyouwouldbesparedtothosewholingerhere；hardlytoknowareasonwhyyoushouldbe；tofeelthatyoubelongedtothatbrightspherewhithersomanyofthefairestandthebesthavewingedtheirearlyflight；andyettopray，amidalltheseconsolations，thatyoumightberestoredtothosewholovedyou——theseweredistractionsalmosttoogreattobear。Theyweremine，bydayandnight；andwiththem，camesucharushingtorrentoffears，andapprehensions，andselfishregrets，lestyoushoulddie，andneverknowhowdevotedlyIlovedyou，asalmostboredownsenseandreasoninitscourse。Yourecovered。
Daybyday，andalmosthourbyhour，somedropofhealthcameback，andminglingwiththespentandfeeblestreamoflifewhichcirculatedlanguidlywithinyou，swelleditagaintoahighandrushingtide。Ihavewatchedyouchangealmostfromdeath，tolife，witheyesthatturnedblindwiththeireagernessanddeepaffection。DonottellmethatyouwishIhadlostthis；forithassoftenedmyhearttoallmankind。\'
\'Ididnotmeanthat，\'saidRose，weeping；\'Ionlywishyouhadlefthere，thatyoumighthaveturnedtohighandnoblepursuitsagain；topursuitswellworthyofyou。\'
\'Thereisnopursuitmoreworthyofme:moreworthyofthehighestnaturethatexists:thanthestruggletowinsuchaheartasyours，\'saidtheyoungman，takingherhand。\'Rose，myowndearRose！Foryears——foryears——Ihavelovedyou；hopingtowinmywaytofame，andthencomeproudlyhomeandtellyouithadbeenpursuedonlyforyoutoshare；thinking，inmydaydreams，howIwouldremindyou，inthathappymoment，ofthemanysilenttokensIhadgivenofaboy\'sattachment，andclaimyourhand，asinredemptionofsomeoldmutecontractthathadbeensealedbetweenus！Thattimehasnotarrived；buthere，withnotfamewon，andnoyoungvisionrealised，Iofferyoutheheartsolongyourown，andstakemyalluponthewordswithwhichyougreettheoffer。\'
\'Yourbehaviourhaseverbeenkindandnoble。\'saidRose，masteringtheemotionsbywhichshewasagitated。\'AsyoubelievethatIamnotinsensibleorungrateful，sohearmyanswer。\'
\'Itis，thatImayendeavourtodeserveyou；itis，dearRose?\'
\'Itis，\'repliedRose，\'thatyoumustendeavourtoforgetme；notasyouroldanddearly-attachedcompanion，forthatwouldwoundmedeeply；but，astheobjectofyourlove。Lookintotheworld；
thinkhowmanyheartsyouwouldbeproudtogain，arethere。
Confidesomeotherpassiontome，ifyouwill；Iwillbethetruest，warmest，andmostfaithfulfriendyouhave。\'
Therewasapause，duringwhich，Rose，whohadcoveredherfacewithonehand，gavefreeventtohertears。Harrystillretainedtheother。
\'Andyourreasons，Rose，\'hesaid，atlength，inalowvoice；
\'yourreasonsforthisdecision?\'
\'Youhavearighttoknowthem，\'rejoinedRose。\'Youcansaynothingtoaltermyresolution。ItisadutythatImustperform。Ioweit，aliketoothers，andtomyself。\'
\'Toyourself?\'
\'Yes，Harry。Ioweittomyself，thatI，afriendless，portionless，girl，withablightuponmyname，shouldnotgiveyourfriendsreasontosuspectthatIhadsordidlyyieldedtoyourfirstpassion，andfastenedmyself，aclog，onallyourhopesandprojects。Ioweittoyouandyours，topreventyoufromopposing，inthewarmthofyourgenerousnature，thisgreatobstacletoyourprogressintheworld。\'
\'Ifyourinclinationschimewithyoursenseofduty——\'Harrybegan。
\'Theydonot，\'repliedRose，colouringdeeply。
\'Thenyoureturnmylove?\'saidHarry。\'Saybutthat，dearRose；
saybutthat；andsoftenthebitternessofthisharddisappointment！\'
\'IfIcouldhavedoneso，withoutdoingheavywrongtohimI
loved，\'rejoinedRose，\'Icouldhave——\'
\'Havereceivedthisdeclarationverydifferently?\'saidHarry。
\'Donotconcealthatfromme，atleast，Rose。\'
\'Icould，\'saidRose。\'Stay！\'sheadded，disengagingherhand，\'whyshouldweprolongthispainfulinterview?Mostpainfultome，andyetproductiveoflastinghappiness，notwithstanding；foritWILLbehappinesstoknowthatIonceheldthehighplaceinyourregardwhichInowoccupy，andeverytriumphyouachieveinlifewillanimatemewithnewfortitudeandfirmness。Farewell，Harry！Aswehavemetto-day，wemeetnomore；butinotherrelationsthanthoseinwhichthisconversationhaveplacedus，wemaybelongandhappilyentwined；andmayeveryblessingthattheprayersofatrueandearnestheartcancalldownfromthesourceofalltruthandsincerity，cheerandprosperyou！\'
\'Anotherword，Rose，\'saidHarry。\'Yourreasoninyourownwords。Fromyourownlips，letmehearit！\'
\'Theprospectbeforeyou，\'answeredRose，firmly，\'isabrilliantone。Allthehonourstowhichgreattalentsandpowerfulconnectionscanhelpmeninpubliclife，areinstoreforyou。
Butthoseconnectionsareproud；andIwillneitherminglewithsuchasmayholdinscornthemotherwhogavemelife；norbringdisgraceorfailureonthesonofherwhohassowellsuppliedthatmother\'splace。Inaword，\'saidtheyounglady，turningaway，ashertemporaryfirmnessforsookher，\'thereisastainuponmyname，whichtheworldvisitsoninnocentheads。Iwillcarryitintonobloodbutmyown；andthereproachshallrestaloneonme。\'
\'Onewordmore，Rose。DearestRose！onemore！\'criedHarry，throwinghimselfbeforeher。\'IfIhadbeenless——lessfortunate，theworldwouldcallit——ifsomeobscureandpeacefullifehadbeenmydestiny——ifIhadbeenpoor，sick，helpless——wouldyouhaveturnedfrommethen?Orhasmyprobableadvancementtorichesandhonour，giventhisscruplebirth?\'
\'Donotpressmetoreply，\'answeredRose。\'Thequestiondoesnotarise，andneverwill。Itisunfair，almostunkind，tourgeit。\'
\'IfyouranswerbewhatIalmostdaretohopeitis，\'retortedHarry，\'itwillshedagleamofhappinessuponmylonelyway，andlightthepathbeforeme。Itisnotanidlethingtodosomuch，bytheutteranceofafewbriefwords，foronewholovesyoubeyondallelse。Oh，Rose:inthenameofmyardentandenduringattachment；inthenameofallIhavesufferedforyou，andallyoudoommetoundergo；answermethisonequestion！\'
\'Then，ifyourlothadbeendifferentlycast，\'rejoinedRose；\'ifyouhadbeenevenalittle，butnotsofar，aboveme；ifIcouldhavebeenahelpandcomforttoyouinanyhumblesceneofpeaceandretirement，andnotablotanddrawbackinambitiousanddistinguishedcrowds；Ishouldhavebeensparedthistrial。I
haveeveryreasontobehappy，veryhappy，now；butthen，Harry，IownIshouldhavebeenhappier。\'
Busyrecollectionsofoldhopes，cherishedasagirl，longago，crowdedintothemindofRose，whilemakingthisavowal；buttheybroughttearswiththem，asoldhopeswillwhentheycomebackwithered；andtheyrelievedher。
\'Icannothelpthisweakness，anditmakesmypurposestronger，\'
saidRose，extendingherhand。\'Imustleaveyounow，indeed。\'
\'Iaskonepromise，\'saidHarry。\'Once，andonlyoncemore，——saywithinayear，butitmaybemuchsooner，——Imayspeaktoyouagainonthissubject，forthelasttime。\'
\'Nottopressmetoaltermyrightdetermination，\'repliedRose，withamelancholysmile；\'itwillbeuseless。\'
\'No，\'saidHarry；\'tohearyourepeatit，ifyouwill——finallyrepeatit！Iwilllayatyourfeet，whateverofstationoffortuneImaypossess；andifyoustilladheretoyourpresentresolution，willnotseek，bywordoract，tochangeit。\'
\'Thenletitbeso，\'rejoinedRose；\'itisbutonepangthemore，andbythattimeImaybeenabledtobearitbetter。\'
Sheextendedherhandagain。Buttheyoungmancaughthertohisbosom；andimprintingonekissonherbeautifulforehead，hurriedfromtheroom。
CHAPTERXXXVI
ISAVERYSHORTONE，ANDMAYAPPEAROFNOGREATIMPORTANCEINITS
PLACE，BUTITSHOULDBEREADNOTWITHSTANDING，ASASEQUELTOTHE
LAST，ANDAKEYTOONETHATWILLFOLLOWWHENITSTIMEARRIVES
\'Andsoyouareresolvedtobemytravellingcompanionthismorning；eh?\'saidthedoctor，asHarryMayliejoinedhimandOliveratthebreakfast-table。\'Why，youarenotinthesamemindorintentiontwohalf-hourstogether！\'
\'Youwilltellmeadifferenttaleoneofthesedays，\'saidHarry，colouringwithoutanyperceptiblereason。
\'IhopeImayhavegoodcausetodoso，\'repliedMr。Losberne；
\'thoughIconfessIdon\'tthinkIshall。Butyesterdaymorningyouhadmadeupyourmind，inagreathurry，tostayhere，andtoaccompanyyourmother，likeadutifulson，tothesea-side。
Beforenoon，youannouncethatyouaregoingtodomethehonourofaccompanyingmeasfarasIgo，onyourroadtoLondon。Andatnight，youurgeme，withgreatmystery，tostartbeforetheladiesarestirring；theconsequenceofwhichis，thatyoungOliverhereispinneddowntohisbreakfastwhenheoughttoberangingthemeadowsafterbotanicalphenomenaofallkinds。Toobad，isn\'tit，Oliver?\'
\'IshouldhavebeenverysorrynottohavebeenathomewhenyouandMr。Mayliewentaway，sir，\'rejoinedOliver。
\'That\'safinefellow，\'saidthedoctor；\'youshallcomeandseemewhenyoureturn。But，tospeakseriously，Harry；hasanycommunicationfromthegreatnobsproducedthissuddenanxietyonyourparttobegone?\'
\'Thegreatnobs，\'repliedHarry，\'underwhichdesignation，I
presume，youincludemymoststatelyuncle，havenotcommunicatedwithmeatall，sinceIhavebeenhere；nor，atthistimeoftheyear，isitlikelythatanythingwouldoccurtorendernecessarymyimmediateattendanceamongthem。\'
\'Well，\'saidthedoctor，\'youareaqueerfellow。ButofcoursetheywillgetyouintoparliamentattheelectionbeforeChristmas，andthesesuddenshiftingsandchangesarenobadpreparationforpoliticallife。There\'ssomethinginthat。Goodtrainingisalwaysdesirable，whethertheracebeforplace，cup，orsweepstakes。\'
HarryMaylielookedasifhecouldhavefollowedupthisshortdialoguebyoneortworemarksthatwouldhavestaggeredthedoctornotalittle；buthecontentedhimselfwithsaying，\'Weshallsee，\'andpursuedthesubjectnofarther。Thepost-chaisedroveuptothedoorshortlyafterwards；andGilescominginfortheluggage，thegooddoctorbustledout，toseeitpacked。
\'Oliver，\'saidHarryMaylie，inalowvoice，\'letmespeakawordwithyou。\'
Oliverwalkedintothewindow-recesstowhichMr。Mayliebeckonedhim；muchsurprisedatthemixtureofsadnessandboisterousspirits，whichhiswholebehaviourdisplayed。
\'Youcanwritewellnow?\'saidHarry，layinghishanduponhisarm。
\'Ihopeso，sir，\'repliedOliver。
\'Ishallnotbeathomeagain，perhapsforsometime；Iwishyouwouldwritetome——sayonceafort-night:everyalternateMonday:totheGeneralPostOfficeinLondon。Willyou?\'
\'Oh！certainly，sir；Ishallbeproudtodoit，\'exclaimedOliver，greatlydelightedwiththecommission。
\'Ishouldliketoknowhow——howmymotherandMissMaylieare，\'
saidtheyoungman；\'andyoucanfillupasheetbytellingmewhatwalksyoutake，andwhatyoutalkabout，andwhethershe——they，Imean——seemhappyandquitewell。Youunderstandme?\'
\'Oh！quite，sir，quite，\'repliedOliver。
\'Iwouldratheryoudidnotmentionittothem，\'saidHarry，hurryingoverhiswords；\'becauseitmightmakemymotheranxioustowritetomeoftener，anditisatroubleandworrytoher。
Letisbeasecretbetweenyouandme；andmindyoutellmeeverything！Idependuponyou。\'
Oliver，quiteelatedandhonouredbyasenseofhisimportance，faithfullypromisedtobesecretandexplicitinhiscommunications。Mr。Maylietookleaveofhim，withmanyassurancesofhisregardandprotection。
Thedoctorwasinthechaise；Gileswho，ithadbeenarranged，shouldbeleftbehindheldthedooropeninhishand；andthewomen-servantswereinthegarden，lookingon。Harrycastoneslightglanceatthelatticedwindow，andjumpedintothecarriage。
\'Driveon！\'hecried，\'hard，fast，fullgallop！Nothingshortofflyingwillkeeppacewithme，to-day。\'
\'Halloa！\'criedthedoctor，lettingdownthefrontglassinagreathurry，andshoutingtothepostillion；\'somethingveryshortofflyngwillkeeppacewithme。Doyouhear?\'
Jinglingandclattering，tilldistancerendereditsnoiseinaudible，anditsrapidprogressonlyperceptibletotheeye，thevehiclewounditswayalongtheroad，almosthiddeninacloudofdust:nowwhollydisappearing，andnowbecomingvisibleagain，asinterveningobjects，ortheintricaciesoftheway，permitted。Itwasnotuntileventhedustycloudwasnolongertobeseen，thatthegazersdispersed。
Andtherewasonelooker-on，whoremainedwitheyesfixeduponthespotwherethecarriagehaddisappeared，longafteritwasmanymilesaway；for，behindthewhitecurtainwhichhadshroudedherfromviewwhenHarryraisedhiseyestowardsthewindow，satRoseherself。
\'Heseemsinhighspiritsandhappy，\'shesaid，atlength。\'I
fearedforatimehemightbeotherwise。Iwasmistaken。Iamvery，veryglad。\'
Tearsaresignsofgladnessaswellasgrief；butthosewhichcourseddownRose\'sface，asshesatpensivelyatthewindow，stillgazinginthesamedirection，seemedtotellmoreofsorrowthanofjoy。
CHAPTERXXXVII
INWHICHTHEREADERMAYPERCEIVEACONTRAST，NOTUNCOMMONIN
MATRIMONIALCASES
Mr。Bumblesatintheworkhouseparlour，withhiseyesmoodilyfixedonthecheerlessgrate，whence，asitwassummertime，nobrightergleamproceeded，thanthereflectionofcertainsicklyraysofthesun，whichweresentbackfromitscoldandshiningsurface。Apaperfly-cagedangledfromtheceiling，towhichheoccasionallyraisedhiseyesingloomythought；and，astheheedlessinsectshoveredroundthegaudynet-work，Mr。Bumblewouldheaveadeepsigh，whileamoregloomyshadowoverspreadhiscountenance。Mr。Bumblewasmeditating；itmightbethattheinsectsbroughttomind，somepainfulpassageinhisownpastlife。
NorwasMr。Bumble\'sgloomtheonlythingcalculatedtoawakenapleasingmelancholyinthebosomofaspectator。Therewerenotwantingotherappearances，andthosecloselyconnectedwithhisownperson，whichannouncedthatagreatchangehadtakenplaceinthepositionofhisaffairs。Thelacedcoat，andthecockedhat；wherewerethey?Hestillworeknee-breeches，anddarkcottonstockingsonhisnetherlimbs；buttheywerenotTHE
breeches。Thecoatwaswide-skirted；andinthatrespectlikeTHEcoat，but，ohhowdifferent！Themightycockedhatwasreplacedbyamodestroundone。Mr。Bumblewasnolongerabeadle。
Therearesomepromotionsinlife，which，independentofthemoresubstantialrewardstheyoffer，requirepeculiarvalueanddignityfromthecoatsandwaistcoatsconnectedwiththem。A
field-marshalhashisuniform；abishophissilkapron；acounsellorhissilkgown；abeadlehiscockedhat。Stripthebishopofhisapron，orthebeadleofhishatandlace；whatarethey?Men。Meremen。Dignity，andevenholinesstoo，sometimes，aremorequestionsofcoatandwaistcoatthansomepeopleimagine。
Mr。BumlehadmarriedMrs。Corney，andwasmasteroftheworkhouse。Anotherbeadlehadcomeintopower。Onhimthecockedhat，gold-lacedcoat，andstaff，hadallthreedescended。
\'Andto-morrowtwomonthsitwasdone！\'saidMr。Bumble，withasigh。\'Itseemsaage。\'
Mr。Bumblemighthavemeantthathehadconcentratedawholeexistenceofhappinessintotheshortspaceofeightweeks；butthesigh——therewasavastdealofmeaninginthesigh。
\'Isoldmyself，\'saidMr。Bumble，pursuingthesametrainofrelection，\'forsixteaspoons，apairofsugar-tongs，andamilk-pot；withasmallquantityofsecond-handfurniture，andtwentypoundinmoney。Iwentveryreasonable。Cheap，dirtcheap！\'
\'Cheap！\'criedashrillvoiceinMr。Bumble\'sear:\'youwouldhavebeendearatanyprice；anddearenoughIpaidforyou，Lordaboveknowsthat！\'
Mr。Bumbleturned，andencounteredthefaceofhisinterestingconsort，who，imperfectlycomprehendingthefewwordsshehadoverheardofhiscomplaint，hadhazardedtheforegoingremarkataventure。
\'Mrs。Bumble，ma\'am！\'saidMr。Bumble，withasentimentalsternness。
\'Well！\'criedthelady。
\'Havethegoodnesstolookatme，\'saidMr。Bumble，fixinghiseyesuponher。Ifshestandssuchaeyeasthat，\'saidMr。
Bumbletohimself，\'shecanstandanything。ItisaeyeIneverknewtofailwithpaupers。Ifitfailswithher，mypowerisgone。\'
Whetheranexceedinglysmallexpansionofeyebesufficienttoquellpaupers，who，beinglightlyfed，areinnoveryhighcondition；orwhetherthelateMrs。Corneywasparticularlyproofagainsteagleglances；aremattersofopinion。Thematteroffact，is，thatthematronwasinnowayoverpoweredbyMr。
Bumble\'sscowl，but，onthecontrary，treateditwithgreatdisdain，andevenraisedalaughthrereat，whichsoundedasthoughitweregenuine。
Onhearingthismostunexpectedsound，Mr。Bumblelooked，firstincredulous，andafterwardsamazed。Hethenrelapsedintohisformerstate；nordidherousehimselfuntilhisattentionwasagainawakenedbythevoiceofhispartner。
\'Areyougoingtositsnoringthere，allday?\'inquiredMrs。
Bumble。
\'Iamgoingtosithere，aslongasIthinkproper，ma\'am，\'
rejoinedMr。Bumble；\'andalthoughIwasNOTsnoring，Ishallsnore，gape，sneeze，laugh，orcry，asthehumourstrikesme；
suchbeingmyprerogative。\'
\'YourPREROGATIVE！\'sneeredMrs。Bumble，withineffablecontempt。
\'Isaidtheword，ma\'am，\'saidMr。Bumble。\'Theprerogativeofamanistocommand。\'
\'Andwhat\'stheprerogativeofawoman，inthenameofGoodness?\'
criedtherelictofMr。Corneydeceased。
\'Toobey，ma\'am，\'thunderedMr。Bumble。\'Yourlateunfortunatehusbandshouldhavetaughtityou；andthen，perhaps，hemighthavebeenalivenow。Iwishhewas，poorman！\'
Mrs。Bumble，seeingataglance，thatthedecisivemomenthadnowarrived，andthatablowstruckforthemastershipononesideorother，mustnecessarilybefinalandconclusive，nosoonerheardthisallusiontothedeadandgone，thanshedroppedintoachair，andwithaloudscreamthatMr。Bumblewasahard-heartedbrute，fellintoaparoxysmoftears。
But，tearswerenotthethingstofindtheirwaytoMr。Bumble\'ssoul；hisheartwaswaterproof。Likewashablebeaverhatsthatimprovewithrain，hisnerveswererenderedstouterandmorevigorous，byshowersoftears，which，beingtokensofweakness，andsofartacitadmissionsofhisownpower，pleaseandexaltedhim。Heeyedhisgoodladywithlooksofgreatsatisfaction，andbegged，inanencouragingmanner，thatsheshouldcryherhardest:theexercisebeinglookedupon，bythefaculty，asstronlyconducivetohealth。
\'Itopensthelungs，washesthecountenance，exercisestheeyes，andsoftensdownthetemper，\'saidMr。Bumble。\'Socryaway。\'
Ashedischargedhimselfofthispleasantry，Mr。Bumbletookhishatfromapeg，andputtingiton，ratherrakishly，ononeside，asamanmight，whofelthehadassertedhissuperiorityinabecomingmanner，thrusthishandsintohispockets，andsaunteredtowardsthedoor，withmucheaseandwaggishnessdepictedinhiswholeappearance。
Now，Mrs。Corneythatwas，hadtriedthetears，becausetheywerelesstroublesomethanamanualassault；but，shewasquitepreparedtomaketrialofthelattermodeofproceeding，asMr。
Bumblewasnotlongindiscovering。
Thefirstproofheexperiencedofthefact，wasconveyedinahollowsound，immediatelysucceededbythesuddenflyingoffofhishattotheoppositeendoftheroom。Thispreliminaryproceedinglayingbarehishead，theexpertlady，claspinghimtightlyroundthethroatwithonehand，inflictedashowerofblowsdealtwithsingularvigouranddexterityuponitwiththeother。Thisdone，shecreatedalittlevarietybyscratchinghisface，andtearinghishair；and，having，bythistime，inflictedasmuchpunishmentasshedeemednecessaryfortheoffence，shepushedhimoverachair，whichwasluckilywellsituatedforthepurpose:anddefiedhimtotalkabouthisprerogativeagain，ifhedared。
\'Getup！\'saidMrs。Bumble，inavoiceofcommand。\'Andtakeyourselfawayfromhere，unlessyouwantmetodosomethingdesperate。\'
Mr。Bumblerosewithaveryruefulcountenance:wonderingmuchwhatsomethingdesperatemightbe。Pickinguphishat，helookedtowardsthedoor。
\'Areyougoing?\'demandedMr。Bumble。
\'Certainly，mydear，certainly，\'rejoinedMr。Bumble，makingaquickermotiontowardsthedoor。\'Ididn\'tintendto——I\'mgoing，mydear！Youaresoveryviolent，thatreallyI——\'
Atthisinstant，Mrs。Bumblesteppedhastilyforwardtoreplacethecarpet，whichhadbeenkickedupinthescuffle。Mr。Bumbleimmediatelydartedoutoftheroom，withoutbestowinganotherthoughtonhisunfinishedsentence:leavingthelateMrs。Corneyinfullpossessionofthefield。
Mr。Bumblewasfairlytakenbysurprise，andfairlybeaten。Hehadadecidedpropensityforbullying:derivednoinconsiderablepleasurefromtheexerciseofpettycruelty；and，consequently，wasitisneedlesstosayacoward。Thisisbynomeansadisparagementtohischaracter；formanyofficialpersonages，whoareheldinhighrespectandadmiration，arethevictimsofsimilarinfirmities。Theremarkismade，indeed，ratherinhisfavourthanotherwise，andwithaviewofimpressingthereaderwithajustsenseofhisqualificationsforoffice。
But，themeasureofhisdegradationwasnotyetfull。Aftermakingatourofthehouse，andthinking，forthefirsttime，thatthepoor-lawsreallyweretoohardonpeople；andthatmenwhoranawayfromtheirwives，leavingthemchargeabletotheparish，ought，injusticetobevisitedwithnopunishmentatall，butratherrewardedasmeritoriousindividualswhohadsufferedmuch；Mr。Bumblecametoaroomwheresomeofthefemalepauperswereusuallyemployedinwashingtheparishlinen:whenthesoundofvoicesinconversation，nowproceeded。
\'Hem！\'saidMr。Bumble，summoningupallhisnativedignity。
\'Thesewomenatleastshallcontinuetorespecttheprerogative。
Hallo！hallothere！Whatdoyoumeanbythisnoise，youhussies?\'
Withthesewords，Mr。Bumbleopenedthedoor，andwalkedinwithaveryfierceandangrymanner:whichwasatonceexchangedforamosthumiliatedandcoweringair，ashiseyesunexpectedlyrestedontheformofhisladywife。
\'Mydear，\'saidMr。Bumble，\'Ididn\'tknowyouwerehere。\'
\'Didn\'tknowIwashere！\'repeatedMrs。Bumble。\'WhatdoYOUdohere?\'
\'Ithoughttheyweretalkingrathertoomuchtobedoingtheirworkproperly，mydear，\'repliedMr。Bumble:glancingdistractedlyatacoupleofoldwomenatthewash-tub，whowerecomparingnotesofadmirationattheworkhouse-master\'shumility。
\'YOUthoughttheyweretalkingtoomuch?\'saidMrs。Bumble。\'Whatbusinessisitofyours?\'
\'Why，mydear——\'urgedMr。Bumblesubmissively。
\'Whatbusinessisitofyours?\'demandedMrs。Bumble，again。
\'It\'sverytrue，you\'rematronhere，mydear，\'submittedMr。
Bumble；\'butIthoughtyoumightn\'tbeinthewayjustthen。\'
\'I\'lltellyouwhat，Mr。Bumble，\'returnedhislady。\'Wedon\'twantanyofyourinterference。You\'reagreatdealtoofondofpokingyournoseintothingsthatdon\'tconcernyou，makingeverybodyinthehouselaugh，themomentyourbackisturned，andmakingyourselflooklikeafooleveryhourintheday。Beoff；
come！\'